asked the Minister of Labour why, in spite of the repeal of Section 5 (8) of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act, 1939, by the National Service Act, 1941, the Fulham tribunal removed Mr. Ernest Findlater's name from the Register of Conscientious Objectors on 20th June, 1941; and whether all tribunals have been made aware of the present state of the law in this direction?

Mr. Findlater has appealed to the appellate tribunal against the decision of the local tribunal to which my hon. Friend refers and this matter is, therefore, sub judice. All tribunals have been made aware of the provisions of the National Service Act, 1941.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will confer with the War Office authorities regarding the case of Percy Cyril Green, Registration No. ESB 767, who is working for L. S. Boswell, Market Gardener, Offenham, Evesham, with a view to securing the postponement of his calling-up on the ground of his being an indispensable agricultural worker?

Indefinite postponement has been granted.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied that the system of medical examination for men required for service in the Army precludes the entry of men who are medically or physically unfit; and whether he is aware that a man whose family history was easily available, was passed by a medical board in July, 1940, Grade II (a), and has recently been examined by a military medical officer and pronounced a mental defective; and what steps he proposes to take to avoid such incidents in future?

It is impossible to guarantee that cases of medical or physical unfitness will invariably be detected but I am advised that the present arrangements for medical examination are such as to reduce the risk of error to a minimum; I am making inquiry about the case to which the hon. and gallant Friend refers and will communicate with him further as soon as possible.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make inquiries into the case of a university medical graduate, in Birmingham, whose name has been submitted to him, whom it is proposed to commission in one of the Services; and, in view of the protests by firms producing aircraft and by other bodies employing him, and by the Ministry of Aircraft Production, in Birmingham, that the removal of this officer will injure their work, will this doctor now be released from the obligation to serve in a military capacity?

My attention has already been called to the case to which my hon. Friend refers. I am informed that it has been fully considered by the Central Medical War Committee who heard the doctor and the managing director of one of the firms employing him and had before them particulars of his various appointments. The committee were satisfied that other doctors were available for these duties and that his recruitment as a medical officer would not prejudice the medical work required at the factories referred to. I understand, however, that the doctor's recruitment has been postponed by a Military Service (Hardship) Committee.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that Employment Exchanges in London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, etc., refuse to send any suitable labour to factories that are engaged in manufacturing perambulators; and whether he will instruct these Exchanges that, under the Essential Work Order, the supply of perambulators are within the services essential to the life of the community?

The manufacture of perambulators does not receive priority as regards the supply of labour; subject to this I am not aware that any obstacle is being placed upon the engagement of any labour which is not more urgently required elsewhere. I understand that the position in this industry is under examination by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the particulars, forwarded to him, of a West End London engineering firm refusing to recognise the trade union of the industry, namely the Amalgamated Engineering Union; whether this firm is engaged in Government work; and what action he intends to take in the matter?

I have not been able to identify this firm. Perhaps my hon. Friend will send me particulars.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, at all training centres, instruction is offered to the maximum possible number of boys and girls aged 16 to 18, irrespective of the prospect of subsequent employment, as an alternative to idleness?

If my hon. Friend is referring to junior instruction centres, the answer is "Yes." In addition, boys and girls over the age of 16 are eligible in certain circumstances for admission to Government training centres, where they can be trained for suitable employment in the war industries.

asked the Minister of Labour the number of working days lost through absenteeism in the years 1914 to 1919 inclusive, and for the year 1940, giving, where possible, the figures in the various causes?

I am not in possession of the figures for which my hon. Friend asks.

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking to call attention to the importance of providing in workshops and factories welfare supervision of female trainees and women workers; and whether he is satisfied that in munitions production welfare organisation is receiving the attention it deserves at the instance of employers and trade union representatives?

I am constantly urging in various ways the importance of proper personnel management and supervision of the welfare of factory workers, and this was particularly stressed in a leaflet, widely issued this year, in which I made a number of suggestions addressed especially to firms who had not previously employed women operators. In the case of the larger factories the need for appointing special supervisory officers is impressed on the firms by factory inspectors wherever appropriate, and the number of such appointments is steadily increasing. While there is still a good deal more to be done in this matter, I am satisfied that both employers and trade union representatives are more and more coming to appreciate its importance.

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare what Germany is estimated to have lost by way of supplies as a result of the attack upon the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?

During the past 18 months Germany imported from the Soviet Union substantial quantities of essential war materials, including cereals, oil, timber, manganese, chrome, apatites and cotton. Oil imports for this period were in the neighbourhood of a million tons and included lubricants and aviation spirit. In addition, the Trans-Siberian Railway was Germany's only link with the Far East, and during recent months goods have been reaching the Germans by this route at the rate of well over 500,000 tons a year, consisting mainly of animal and vegetable oils and fats, but also including rubber, tin, copper and tungsten. The immediate result of Germany's unprovoked aggression against the Soviet Union is, of course, to cut off all further supplies from and through Russia. Nor, as things are, can these be replaced by German imports from any other source.

asked the Secretary for Mines the number of firms which have manufactured Government emergency producers for use in respect of producer-gas vehicles; the number of units actually manufactured and sold; and the number in use on the roads in Great Britain at the present time?

I do not think that it would be in the public interest to give the details asked for, but I am sending the figures to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production what is the calibre and rate of fire per minute of the Messer-schmitt ME 109F which landed in Kent on 10th July; and how this Mauser cannon compares in these respects with the cannon fitted in the latest model Spitfire which fell into enemy hands?

The Mauser cannon in the Messerschmitt ME 109F which landed in Kent is of 20 mm. calibre, and the rate of fire is approximately 780 rounds a minute. It would not be in the public interest to give comparative figures for the latest Spitfire which has fallen into enemy hands as its guns may not have been in a condition to allow the enemy to obtain much information.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production, with reference to the Messerschmitt ME 109 FI, which landed in Britain on 10th July, on what date its armament was tested by his officials; on what date the result of these tests, and opportunities to inspect the aircraft, were given to the Press; and to what organs of the Press were these facilities specifically offered?

Apart from details of a general nature, the results so far obtained of the armament tests on the M.E. 109 FI have not been disclosed to the Press. Facilities were, however, given to the principal daily newspapers, the technical journals and the Press agencies to inspect this machine on 23rd July. Tests arc proceeding.

asked the Minister of Information when it is expected that the British Press will be allowed to publish photographs of the successful operations in Syria?

The first batch of photographs of action in Syria arrived on 2nd July, and were immediately issued to the British Press, where they had considerable reproduction. Subsequent consignments have been received and distributed to the Press.

asked the Minister of Information whether he is aware that His Majesty's Government in New Zealand has officially adopted the observance of the Big Ben Minute, and that the Members of their House of Commons stand for one minute in silence in their Chamber at nine o'clock to listen to a record of Big Ben chimes; and whether he will make this decision widely known so that other countries may follow the example set by the New Zealand Government?

Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Information had noted with interest this development and were arranging some appropriate means to give it publicity. Whether other countries decide to follow the practice adopted by New Zealand is, of course, entirely for them to decide.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will make a statement on the action which has been taken to bring to the notice of the people of the United States of America and Latin America the text of the communication addressed to the "Times" on 21st December last by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster and the President of the Council of the Free Churches on the five points submitted by the Pope as a basis of peace policy following upon the close of the war?

Yes, Sir. Immediate steps were taken to give wide publicity to the letter published in the "Times" on 21st December, 1940, on "the foundations of a Christian peace." The text was cabled in full to the United States of America and to Latin America. It was published with newspaper comment in bulletins which reached American church leaders of many denominations and the editors of American religious newspapers.

asked the Minister of Information whether he will recommend to the British Broadcasting Corporation the reorganisation of the sections by which their Spanish and Hungarian transmissions are organised?

The organisation of the various foreign services of the B.B.C. is under review. This applies to the Hungarian and Spanish as well as to the other sections.

asked the Minister of Information whether he has set up a Russian section in his Ministry?

A section is in process of formation; at present one officer has been appointed to control the activities of the Ministry of Information in connection with Russia and other officers in the various divisions of the Ministry are in the closest touch with the Soviet officials concerned with very satisfactory results.

asked the Minister of Information which Government Department will receive the profits from the film "Target for To-night," and, in view of the fact that it was made exclusively by serving members of the Air Force, has he considered crediting these profits to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund?

Any profits from this film will accrue to the Exchequer, which has borne the cost of production.

asked the Minister of Information why propaganda films, such as "Target for To-night," are permitted to be held up for prior exhibition in one or two big cinemas instead of being generally released throughout the country; and whether, in view of the interest such films have for all sections of the community wherever they may live, he will review these arrangements?

The exhibition in the West End of "Target for To-night" did not hold up its general release, which starts on 18th August. I am satisfied that the arrangements made in regard to the release of the film ensure the speediest and most effective distribution.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty in what branch of the Navy are trawler skippers serving; what is the highest rank they can attain; whether this rank carries His Majesty's commission; and whether the same promotion is open to them as to yachtsmen commissioned, without a Board of Trade ticket, as sub-lieutenants in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve?

Trawler skippers serve in the Royal Naval Reserve and the highest rank which they can attain is that of skipper lieutenant. Skipper lieutenants are commissioned officers and they rank with lieutenants R.N.R. according to seniority. As regards the last part of the Question the number of substantive promotions to skipper lieutenant is necessarily limited, since promotion to this rank is in the nature of a reward for long service in the permanent reserve. Nevertheless a considerable number of appointments carrying the rank of acting skipper lieutenant are open both to permanent and to temporary skipper class officers R.N.R. They thus have the same facilities for promotion to the equivalent of lieutenant's rank as yachtsmen commissioned as sub-lieutenants R.N.V.R.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what swimming instruction is included in the compulsory training of air pilots and crews operating with the Fleet Air Arm; and whether any swimming instruction is given to those training overseas before they sail?

All naval flying personnel, irrespective of whether their subsequent training is overseas or otherwise, undergo preliminary training in His Majesty's Ship "St. Vincent," during which they receive swimming instruction amounting to two periods a week. There is, in addition, voluntary instruction during certain periods every day.

asked the Home Secretary whether the anti-Nazi Jewish internees in Australia are still allowed to send letters home by air-mail?

There has been no recent change in the regulations which allow an internee in Australia to send telegrams or air-mail letters in special circumstances. My information is that these regulations are interpreted in a liberal spirit.

asked the Home Secretary the reason for the arrest of Mr. Cahir Healy; whether he is to be charged with an offence, or, if not, when his case will come before the Advisory Committee; where he is at present interned; how many hours per day he is confined to a cell; and the number of letters and visitors permitted per week?

Mr. Healy is detained in pursuance of an Order which I made under Defence Regulation 18b on the ground that he has been recently concerned in the preparation or instigation of acts prejudicial to the public safety or the Defence of the Realm and that by reason thereof it is necessary to exercise control over him. It is not proposed to institute criminal proceedings against him. As I have explained on previous ocasions, action under this Regulation is preventive in character and does not imply that the person detained has committed an offence against the criminal law in respect of which proceedings can be taken. Mr. Healy has not made objections against the Order to the Advisory Committee; but if he chooses to take advantage of the procedure laid down in the Regulation his case will be heard by the Committee without delay. He is at present detained in Brixton Prison and is allowed association with other detainees throughout the whole of the day. Persons detained in prison under the Regulation are allowed two letters and one visit' per week, but additional letters and visits may be permitted in the discretion of the Prison Governor.

asked the Home Secretary the date upon which Mr. Matthew Hamilton was arrested; the reason for his arrest; whether he has been, or will be, charged with an offence; whether his case has been heard by the Advisory Committee and, if so, what was the decision; whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that this case is causing alarm in Scotland; and will he release this man from the Isle of Man camp forthwith?

Mr. Hamilton was arrested on 5th June, 1940, in pursuance of an order for his detention under Defence Regulation 18b made on the ground that the Secretary of State had reasonable cause to believe him to be a person who had recently been concerned in acts prejudicial to the public safety or-the defence of the realm and that, by reason thereof, it was necessary to exercise control over him. His case has been heard by the Scottish Advisory Committee and after considering all the circumstances including the committee's report I decided that it was necessary to maintain his detention. I regret that I am still not prepared to authorise his release. Any question as to criminal proceedings should be addressed to the Lord Advocate.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the names of all the regional fire officers?

The names of the chief regional fire officers, so far as appointments have been made, are as follow:No. 1 (Newcastle) Region—Mr. T. Breaks,O.B.E.No. 2 (Leeds) Region—Mr. P. P. Booth. No. 3 (Nottingham) Region—Mr. T. H.Patrick.No. 4 (Cambridge) Region—Mr. R. Kidd. No. 6 (Reading) Region—Mr. H. M. Smith. No. 7 (Bristol) Region—Mr. A. H. Johnstone. No. 8 (Cardiff) Region—Mr. T. A. Varley. No. 9 (Birmingham) Region—Mr. B. A. Westbrook, O.B.E. No. No.10 (Manchester) Region—Lt.-Cmdr. J. H. Fordham.

asked the Home Secretary whether night-watchmen are entitled to the extra 3s. allowance to be paid to fire-watchers?

An allowance in lieu of meals will be payable in respect of fire-prevention duties undertaken outside working hours at business premises. Details have not yet been settled.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the ambiguity of Home Security Circular No. 36 of 1941, dated 10th February, so far as it concerned drivers of lorries in the rescue party service, which ambiguity was not corrected until the issue of Home Security Circular No. 87 of 1941, dated 9th April, and caused some local authorities to increase the pay of these drivers by 5s. per week, he will authorise the additional 5s. per week to rank for grant for the period between 10th Febuary, 1941, and 9th April, 1941?

The special arrangement governing the rate of pay of rescue party lorry drivers was announced to local authorities in a circular issued on 30th August, 1940, which explained that the rate should be the agreed rate recognised for lorry drivers in their regular employment by the local authority immediately responsible for the engagement of the rescue party personnel or the basic civil defence rate for men, of £3 5s. od. weekly, which ever was higher. The circular issued on 10th February, 1941, intimated that the basic civil defence rate for men had been increased to £3 10s. od. weekly. Rescue party lorry drivers were not mentioned because the principle on which they were to be paid, which was not affected by the increase in the basic rate, was not altered. The circular issued on 9th April, 1941, was designed to bring to notice that the rescue party lorry drivers could be paid the basic rate of £3 10s. od. where that was higher than the agreed local authority rate. The circular of 10th February did not suggest that rescue party lorry drivers should be given an increase of 5s. on the pay they were then getting, and I am unable to authorise for grant expenditure that may have been incurred in that respect.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the members of the West Ham County Borough passed a unanimous resolution asking him to receive a deputation from them regarding the use of part of the Forest Gate hospital site for the purpose of a Civil Defence depot; and why he refused to receive such deputation in view of the importance attached to the matter?

I am aware of the resolution referred to in the first part of the Question. Neither my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health nor I felt that the circumstances justified the attendance of a deputation.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in some London boroughs steel helmets have still not been issued to volunteer wardens; and whether, in view of the fact that steel helmets are now being provided in large quantities for such persons as Civil servants, he will arrange for some priority to be given to their supply to these volunteer wardens?

Provision has been made in a recent circular for the approval for purposes of steel helmets and respirators of members of Civil Defence services who are at present outside the numbers for whom that equipment has been authorised. Issues will be made as soon as local authorities make application after having secured the approval of the Regional Comissioner.

asked the Minister of Health whether, when a local authority repairs a house sufficiently to permit of its re-occupation, the tenant, who may have been billeted in the country, is expected to return under penalty of stoppage of his billeting allowance?

When a bombed house has been rendered habitable the occupier and his family can no longer properly be regarded as homeless and are therefore no longer billetable as such. Where, however, the persons concerned are entitled to be evacuated under the Government Evacuation Scheme billeting notices are not withdrawn merely because the houses have been rendered habitable.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the inability of a doctor, of whose name he is aware, to obtain work, although willing and able to do so anywhere, owing to his practice being lost through enemy action, he will have the list of available doctors withdrawn from the Central Medical War Committee and investigated by his Department, or the special medical committee recently formed, so as to ensure that medical manpower is efficiently used?

When I receive the particulars promised by my hon. Friend I shall be glad to consider them.

asked the Home Secretary whether, when it is found possible to consider application for naturalisation for men serving with His Majesty's Forces, service in the Pioneer Corps whilst not being regarded as a special ground for naturalisation, will be taken into sympathetic consideration?

I am afraid that I can make now no statement as regards future policy.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is yet able to report any steps by the Unemployment Assistance Board to relieve persons on public assistance, old age pensions, & of some of the burden inflicted on them by the rise in the cost of living?

I am informed by the Assistance Board that they have had this matter under very careful consideration. They note the extent to which the cost of living index number has increased since the Supplementary Pensions Regulations came into force, and have had regard to the reasons for that increase and the nature of the commodities to which it is attributable. In the result, they have decided that they would not be justified in proposing any alteration of the Regulations at the present time. They intend, however, to keep the position under close and constant review. Public assistance is, of course, a matter for the local authorities.

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increased cost of living, it is his intention to review the necessity of increasing the rates of billeting allowances, particularly those which have not been altered since the rates were first settled?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friends the Members for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar) and Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor) on 12th June and to the statement which I made in this House in the Debate on the Adjournment on 9th July.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is his recommended policy in respect of keeping wheat in ricks during the coming winter?

The Government desires wheat growers to market their crop evenly through the season. With this object storage payment will be added to the standard price of 14s. 6d. per cwt. for millable wheat from December onwards. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a Press announcement giving details of this arrangement.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that few county councils endeavour to promote the cutting of grass verges by the public who may wish to obtain winter fodder; and whether he will take an early opportunity of getting them to do this?

I have no information as to the extent to which highway authorities have acted on the suggestions which I have made to them for allowing the use of roadside grass for the feeding of stock. I feel sure, however, that those authorities would raise no objection to anyone taking the grass for such purposes, unless other arrangements had already been made for its utilisation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, to provide feeding for pigs, he will arrange this autumn for the systematic collection of beechnuts?

Yes, Sir. In collaboration with the other Departments concerned my Department has already discussed the proposed arrangements with the organisations best equipped to give effect to the systematic collection of feeding-stuffs of this nature.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that apart from the valuable beverage obtained from tea leaves, there is left a residue of 100,000 tons of food material containing 20 per cent. protein available for animals and poultry; and whether his Department has considered the possibility of collecting spent tea leaves from large caterers, institutions, and such organisations, with a view to their treatment?

Some consideration has already been given to possible uses for spent tea leaves but apart from the comparatively small quantities available from any one source which would be likely to make collection expensive, their value for feeding to animals and poultry has not yet been established. I am exploring the problem further and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in issuing instructions to war agricultural committees for the ploughing campaign for this autumn, he will consider making specific suggestions for the utilisation of deer parks and commons for the purpose?

I feel sure that war agricultural executive committees fully realise the potential use of suitable land in deer parks and on commons for the production of food crops, but I will arrange for copies of this Question and answer to be sent to all committees.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that on the small farms of the Weald of Sussex, Surrey and Kent there is a number of owners and occupiers who were formerly agricultural labourers, many of whom are successful farmers; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to make it possible for agricultural labourers, approved by the war agricultural committees as suitable to take farms, to obtain loans for the purpose, repayable over a number of years, from the State?

I do not think legislation is required for the purpose to which my Noble Friend refers. I am satisfied that existing credit facilities, including those available from the county war agricultural executive committees, are ample to meet the needs of new occupiers who are in a position to offer the necessary security. I should add, however, that in my opinion it would be unwise, under present conditions, to encourage persons to take up farming unless they possess at least the necessary minimum capital of their own.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take to ensure that derelict or badly cultivated agricultural land, of which possession is taken under the Defence Regulations in connection with the food-production campaign, will not be allowed to revert to a neglected state after the war and that money spent by the State on the improvement of such land will be recovered?

The Government realises the importance and desirability of achieving the objects to which my right hon. Friend refers. A Bill to provide the necessary powers will be introduced at an early date.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has recently been in touch with the Masters of Foxhounds Association, in view of the damage that is being done by foxes to poultry all over the country, and as the Masters of Foxhounds Association have recommended hunts in all areas to co-operate in every way in putting down foxes; and whether he is satisfied that plans are in hand to deal systematically with the destruction of foxes, especially near built-up areas?

My Department maintains close touch with the Masters of Foxhounds Association respecting damage by foxes, and I am satisfied that, generally speaking, County War Agricultural Executive Committees are taking appropriate steps to deal with foxes, and that Hunts are cooperating with the Committees in this direction. Where, however, voluntary methods appear to be ineffective or inadequate, I am prepared, in appropriate cases, to give powers under the Defence Regulations to particular County Committees to require the destruction of foxes.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are his plans this year for the opening and closing of the pheasant-shooting season?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I have to-day given to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor).

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether there has been an extension of disease in the potato crop; and what is his latest information on the subject?

If the hon. Member is referring to dry rot disease I would refer him to the answer given on 10th July to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Howdenshire (Colonel Carver). There has been no further spread since then. "Blight" has appeared amongst crops of early varieties in South Wales and Lincolnshire. Spraying is now in progress in these districts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether, when the repairs to the roof of Westminster Hall are completed in a permanent form, it is proposed to put up some inscription recording the fact that the timber came from the same forest as that of the original roof?

It is not proposed to complete in a permanent form the repairs to the roof of Westminster Hall until after the war, but I can assure the hon. Member that his suggestion will be considered at the appropriate time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings the names of the members of the recently-announced Building Council; what are its terms of reference; and will its recommendations be advisory or binding on the Ministry?

The terms of reference of the proposed Building Council are under consideration, but its general objective will be to advise my Noble Friend on questions of output and efficiency in the building and contracting industries and on any steps necessary to secure improvement in these respects, including questions of welfare and all other factors affecting output and efficiency; to take action to secure that the industries carry out the decisions of my Noble Friend taken on the council's advice and with the council's approval; to examine the various statistics, estimates and projects on which the Government Building Programme is based; to advise on all other matters that may be referred to it, and in addition to perform such functions of the existing Joint Advisory Panel as are considered appropriate. The membership of the council has not yet been fully determined; its functions will be advisory.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what factors were responsible for the decision to expend £35 in removing from the statue of King Charles, at Trafalgar Square, the protective material that cost £320 to erect; and why, when the statue was removed, was the pedestal allowed to remain involving a further expenditure of £140 for a brick enclosure?

The protection originally given to the statue of King Charles was only proof against blast and splinters and it was decided, in view of the risk of damage from a direct hit, to remove the statue to a place of safety in the country. In regard to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 23rd July to the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. Pearson).

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, with a view to the conservation of leather supply, as well as for the better comfort of those concerned, he will consider the issue of shoes instead of boots for personnel employed on sedentary or other work for which this footwear would be appropriate, and would normally be utilised in comparable civilian employment?

I am looking into this question and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make it clear that any rearrangement in military areas that may now be found expedient will be for the war only, and that the association of county regiments with their home towns will be fully restored after the present emergency?

It is not possible at this stage to foresee what arrangements will be made at the end of the war. However, I can assure my hon. Friend that full weight will be given to the undoubted value of the association of county regiments with their home towns.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider providing, in addition to the hard wooden chairs, a certain number of easy chairs, and other appropriate amenities at the various Auxiliary Territorial Service stations, as these are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain from welfare or private sources?

Arrangements have now been made for the provision of easy chairs and similar amenities at all Auxiliary Territorial Service Stations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the effect of A.C.I. 809/41, which would limit every soldier to one hour's leave in approximately every six weeks, has been in any way modified by any instruction or advice to commanding officers or by any practice amongst commanding officers to which the War Office does hot take exception either throughout the Army or in any particular branch of the Army?

The Army Council Instruction to which my hon. Friend refers provides that for operational reasons not more than 7½per cent. of a unit may be absent at any one time on seven days' leave and not more than 2½per cent. on short pass, which is normally granted for a period of 48 hours. This instruction still stands, and I do not consider that any modification is necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the buildings and grounds of St. Peter's School, Seaford, have been requisitioned by the War Department; when such requisition was made; what payments have been made to the owners; what agreements as to rent and other matters have been reached; and when it is the intention of the War Department to commence such payments?

My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it would not be in the public interest to reveal the purpose for which premises are requisitioned. This school was requisitioned in December, 1940. An offer in respect of rent compensation has been made but no reply has yet been received from the owners. Regular payments will start as soon as final agreement has been reached. In the meantime, £100 has been paid on account. In addition, claims for expenses, including those of removal, are being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to have the evidence available about the alleged victimisation of Major Reid-Kellett, D.S.O., M.C., investigated, in view of the fact that such evidence was not laid before Mr. Justice Simonds nor examined by the hon. and learned Member for Bolton (Sir C. Entwistle) at his inquiry into military camp allegations in October, 1939?

I cannot accept the implication contained in the hon. Member's Question, namely, that the High Court Judge gave his opinion without adequate evidence, and I have nothing to add to the statement made on 31st July last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a considerable number of Home Guards, who are employed at a certain place, have resigned from their company because of their lack of confidence in the officers in charge of the company who are civilians of 30 and 26 years of age with no previous military experience, and that differences have arisen with the colonel-in-charge of the battalion; and whether he will cause an investigation to be made into the whole matter with a view to removing the cause of the difficulties?

:I am having inquiries made into this case and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether stocks of wool textile goods in the hands of whole- salers and retailers, when destroyed by enemy action are replaceable outside the ration; and whether he has consulted with the Ministry of Supply with a view to making available the necessary raw material?

Yes, Sir. Wool textile goods held for sale by retailers which have been destroyed by enemy action may be replaced without restriction under the Limitation of Supplies Orders and without the surrender of coupons under the Consumer Rationing Orders. Registered wholesalers can in any case obtain supplies without restriction and without coupons. Wool has been available in sufficient quantities to allow the manufacture of replacement goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what qualifications for his present post are possessed by Mr. Melville Watkins, Director-General of Civilian Clothing, and what salary is being paid to him?

Mr. Metford Watkins has considerable, experience of the clothing trades. For some months past he has been a member of the Industrial and Export Council and has been dealing with the problem of concentrating industry. He receives no salary.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will publish a list showing all the exemptions and concessions that have been made in relation to clothes rationing since the introduction of the scheme, to date?

It is hoped very shortly to publish a booklet in popular form giving the information mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend. A further leaflet will also be available this month designed primarily to assist traders.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to publish the full regulations governing the supply of wool for comfort knitters; and what is the information given by the director of voluntary organisations to inquirers who wish to know what procedure they should adopt to obtain the wool they require?

Full details of the scheme for providing coupon-free wool to individuals wishing to knit comforts for near relatives serving with the Forces away from home will be published very shortly. The director of voluntary organisations is concerned with the administration and coordination of the official schemes for the supply of comforts in bulk to units of the Forces, not with the Board of Trade scheme for individual comforts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether arrangements can be made for members of the Air Training Corps to procure shoes, socks and waterproofs, forming part of their uniform, without coupons on a signature from a commanding officer, as' in the case of regular units of the Royal Air Force and other services?

Members of the Air Training Corps are not at present required to purchase additional socks, shoes or waterproofs of a special type for uniform wear, but may use those normally worn in civil life. There is therefore no occasion for the concession suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether we are still supporting with money, food and shelter the Italian non-combatants, women and children in Abyssinia; what the monthly charge amounts to; how long this is to continue; and whether they will be employed somewhere in useful work?

For reasons of safety, Italian non-combatants in Ethiopia have been segregated in certain localities, and His Majesty's Government have in consequence contributed to their support in so far as may be necessary. It is not possible to give any estimate of the cost at this stage. The answers to the last two parts of the Question depend on the result of the negotiations regarding the repatriation of Italian civilians to which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary referred in his answer to the hon. Member for East Wolverhampton (Mr. Mander) yesterday.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if the extra cheese ration given agricultural workers can be extended to working farmers and smallholders, and if the extra allowance of tea and sugar given to farmers employing five or more harvesters can be given to farmers and smallholders employing two or more?

As regards the first part of this Question, the special ration of cheese is intended to meet the needs of agricultural employees who take their mid-day meal with them to work and my Noble Friend is unable to extend it to farmers and smallholders. Arrangements have, however, been made whereby all farm workers engaged in harvest operations from about mid-August until 21st September can obtain an allowance of 8 oz. of cheese per person per week in addition to existing cheese rations. As regards the second part of the Question, there is no limit to the number of bona fide employees for whom farmers can obtain extra allowances of tea and sugar for the provision of refreshments in the fields at harvest time, or of tea for consumption during working hours at all times.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in order to prevent queues and to bring about a more equitable distribution of foodstuffs in short supply, he will adopt the policy recommended by the Cheltenham Borough Food Control Committee, that the food executive officer be given powers to take control of the distribution of unrationed foodstuffs coming into a town when it is considered desirable?

I do not consider that the proposal to which my hon. Friend refers would achieve the object desired.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered a letter from the Buck-haven Co-operative Society, forwarded to him by the hon. Member for West Fife, requesting the rationing of all foodstuffs in short supply; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir. I have considered the letter from the Buckhaven Co-operative Society but I am not in a position to add to the statement which I made in the House on 25th July in regard to the distribution of foodstuffs which are now unrationed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what will be the aggregate cost of the 300,000,000 dozen eggs to be imported from the United States of America; what would be the aggregate cost of Manitoba wheat which would occupy the same shipping space; what tonnage of wheat would be represented by this wheat importation; and what head of British poultry it is estimated could thereby be fed during the coming winter?

The notice has been too short to enable all the information requested by my hon. Friend to be ascertained. With his permission I will write him fully as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why Messrs. Pattullo Vinson, of Sevenoaks, who had till recently been disposing of 3,000 dozen eggs weekly and who paid a large sum for the charter rights of Seven-oaks market, were not appointed egg distributors and graders for that area?

The firm to which my hon. Friend refers made application in September, 1940, for a licence to establish a packing station for eggs. It is an essential preliminary to the grant of a licence that the applicant should have proper equipment and staff. The firm in question had neither at that time and have not obtained them since.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food in how many cases the eggs imported into this country have been held in warehouse accommodation rather than in cold storage; whether storage, other than cold storage, is suitable for eggs; how long eggs remain eatable after they have left storage; and what is the normal time of distribution between leaving cold storage and reaching the consumer?

It is not the normal practice in this country to place eggs in cold storage unless they are to be kept for lengthy periods. Cool warehouse accommodation is entirely suitable for short-period storage of eggs and most of the eggs imported into this country are so stored. Eggs remain edible for from two to three weeks after leaving cold store. The normal time eggs take to reach the consumer from cold store should not exceed one week.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps are taken to check the quality of Irish eggs imported to this country; and whether he is aware that in recent weeks considerable numbers of these eggs, distributed in Scotland, have been bad?

Eggs imported from Eire are examined on arrival in this country. I am aware that a number of such eggs recently distributed in Scotland have been bad. There have been cases recently where Eire eggs have been packed in boxes made of damp wood and occasionally eggs so packed deteriorate quickly. An officer of the Ministry is at present visiting Eire to advise on methods of packing and shipment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has now made arrangements for persons who are on milk and egg diet under doctor's orders to receive an increased ration of eggs?

Eggs are not rationed but arrangements have been made for hospitals to receive additional supplies where their normal shares under the eggs control scheme are not sufficient to enable them to treat certain classes of patients. The possibility of extending this arrangement to persons suffering from similar illnesses in their own homes is being examined.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, on what grounds the Milk Marketing Board have refused the request of the County of Holland Agricultural Committee that the Board should exempt keepers of one cow from the regulations as to keeping of records; and whether, before refusal, inquiries were made in the area concerned?

I am having inquiries made and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the necessity of preventing farmers from going out of milk production, and milk producers cutting down their herds by one half, he will have a thorough examination of the milk costings made, and take immediate steps to revise upwards the present uneconomic figure for milk?

I am not aware that the prices being paid to producers of milk are generally regarded as being uneconomic or producing the results suggested. As was announced when the 1941–2 prices were published, provision has been made to review these prices in the event of its being shown, at the end of the summer six months and at the end of the winter six months, that the increases guaranteed over the 1938–9 prices were less than the actual increases in costs of production.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a large proportion of the bread shops in London are refusing to stock the national wheatmeal loaf; and, in view of the large public expenditure in advertisements urging the public to buy this loaf, will he consider making its supply compulsory?

The answer to the first and last part of my hon. Friend's Question is in the negative. More than 3,000 bakers and bread shops as well as the majority of the wholesalers and cooperative societies are already co-operating with my Department in popularising the sale of national wheatmeal bread in London.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether instructions to millers regarding flour for the 85 per cent. wholemeal loaf include a provision that the whole of the germ should be left in the flour?

The instruction to millers states that national wheatmeal shall contain as much of the germ as possible and the tests which have been carried out on various samples show that the desired objective is being attained.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether further consideration has been given to the memorandum and subsequent addendum of the National Poultry Council, which together present a case for the importation of poultry feeding-stuffs instead of eggs; and what reply has been furnished by the Food Ministry?

A memorandum presenting a case for the importation of poultry feeding-stuffs instead of eggs has been received from the Scientific Poultry Breeders Association (not the National Poultry Council). The Association have been informed that the maximum possible quantity of feeding-stuffs will continue to be imported so far as shipping is available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why it is the policy of the Animal Food Control to continue to hoard large dumps of cake, meal, etc., at places where it is liable to be burned by enemy action; and will he consider permitting farmers to hold this food in 10- to 20-ton lots?

It is the practice of the Ministry to disperse stocks of feeding-stuffs as widely as possible, and at the present time not more than 30 per cent. of the total stock of oilseed cake and meals are held by manufacturers at different ports. The experienced gained last year in the early distribution of oil cake to farmers does not justify the general adoption of the suggestion made by my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what arrangements he has made to enable the students of the Inns of Court to attend the six annual dinners; and what amount of food is allowed at such dinners?

I understand that students of the Inns of Court are not now being required to eat the customary annual dinners and the second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can now make any statement on the information supplied to him by the Women's Voluntary Service and kindred organisations regarding the amount of jam which has actually been made from the soft fruit handled by these bodies with the aid of State sugar; and what has become of this jam?

My Department has not called for a comprehensive return of the amount and varieties of jam made in the 5,000 odd co-operative fruit preservation centres which have been organised in rural districts by various women's voluntary organisations. A complete report and analysis of the preserves made in these centres will be presented to the Ministry at the end of the season. All the jam that has been made (other than sub-standard jam, which may be sold outside the ration to schools and hospitals for children) either remains in stock or has been sold to the trade against vouchers for distribution as part of the preserves ration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, what is the alcoholic content of the average popular beer; and how it compares in this respect with cider and home-made wine?

I am informed that the alcoholic content of what may be described as the average popular beer varies considerably in different parts of the country, and may range from 4 to about 8 degrees of proof spirit. The alcoholic content of cider ranges from 7 to 8 degrees of proof spirit, and that of British wines averages 29 degrees.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, in how many cases in Scotland have garden produce committees been formed in the terms of the Ministry of Food pamphlet "Disposal of Surplus Garden Produce in Scotland, 1941"; and whether he is satisfied with the arrangements which have been made for the marketing of surplus fruit and vegetables from Scottish gardens and allotments?

All food control committees in Scotland have been asked to appoint garden produce committees in districts where it is considered, in the light of local knowledge, that the disposal of surplus fruit and vegetables from private gardens and allotments is likely to present any difficulty. I am unable to state, without longer notice, how many such committees have been appointed. So far as I know the arrangements have been satisfactory, but I have asked for a report and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement about the trouble in Dartmoor Prison; whether the grievances that the convicts protested against will be inquired into and remedied; and whether a staff adequate for the smooth running of the prison is maintained?

On the 28th July some 200 prisoners stood fast when ordered to march to labour, apparently as a protest against certain disciplinary action taken on the previous day against four men who had refused to exercise as ordered. The Governor, having anticipated that some demonstration of the kind might be attempted, had arranged for additional prison officers to be available; and when four of the ringleaders were seized the demonstration collapsed. Some twenty prisoners who appear to have been mainly responsible for the trouble will be brought before the Board of Visitors for adjudication in due course. The reports which I have received indicate that there were no legitimate grounds of complaint leading up to the disturbance. As regards the last part of the Question, the Governor is satisfied that the present staff are equal to their task. The manner in which the disturbance was handled reflects great credit both on the Governor and on the prison officers.

asked the Home Secretary the date and period of and reasons for the grant of an exit permit to Mr. Fred Sigrist and his present country of residence?

Mr. Sigrist was granted an exit permit in March, 1940, on the grounds of ill-health. The permit was granted for travel to the Bahamas and I have no information regarding Mr. Sigrist's present country of residence.

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, what action the Committee proposes to take to allay the discontent existing among the staff of the Refreshment Department, particularly those who are paid a small retaining fee, insufficient for maintenance, during the Recess, but who are expected to hold themselves in readiness to return to the House at any time; whether it is recognised that the staff have a right to put their case before the Kitchen Committee; why, on a recent occasion, a deputation from the staff were received by himself only as Chairman of the Committee; and whether steps will be taken to establish conditions which will ensure an efficient and contented staff during those times when the Sittings of the House are likely to be intermittent?

asked the hon. Member for Dulwich, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, the arrangements made for payment of the staff during the Recess?

The Kitchen Committee have adopted the same procedure as in former years, namely, that during the Recess, full wages will be paid to members of the permanent staff and half wages to members of the retained staff. The Committee are always prepared to discuss relevant matters with the staff and on the occasion referred to, I was asked to see the deputation. The Committee do everything possible, at all times, to establish conditions which will ensure an efficient and contented staff, but owing to the existing financial losses of the Refreshment Department, it would not be advisable to make any further concessions during the Recess.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the position under the War Damage Act is being considered of those lessees of shops who had put in new shop fronts at their own expense with the consent of the landlords, but not as part of any bargain and whose shops have been subsequently destroyed by enemy action; and whether he will take steps to remove doubt as to the allocation of payments in respect of any enhanced values due to such new shop fronts?

Shop fronts which do not fall to be regarded as plant of the tenant, and are part of the structure of the building in which they are placed, are covered by Part I of the War Damage Act, 1941, and will if not removable by the tenant be valued along with the rest of the building for the purpose of any value payment which becomes due under the Act. Such payment will be calculated with reference to the value of the property, immediately before and immediately after the war damage, and will be divided among the owners of proprietary interests in the property in proportion to the depreciation in the value of those interests. If shop fronts which are part of the structure are removable by the tenants, they will, under Section 46 (4) of the Act, be treated as separate hereditaments, the proprietary interest in which would belong to the tenants, who would be entitled to any value payment there for. Shop fronts which are plant of the tenant or are not part of the structure are insurable as "Goods" under Part II of the Act.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in order to supplement the National War Fund, he will sanction State regional lotteries, availing himself of existing football pools machinery?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will submit to the House a statement of the outstanding debts to Great Britain of European countries, namely, Czecho-Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Yugo-Slavia and Rumania as at 30th June, 1941?

The Finance Accounts of the United Kingdom for 1939–40 give the figures asked for as on 31st March, 1940, and the Finance Accounts for 1940–41 which will be published shortly will give the figures as on 31st March, 1941. These necessarily exclude any advances made since the outbreak of the present war.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the continued maldistribution of cigarettes and tobacco, he will reconsider the question of compulsory registration of consumers with their selected retailers?

No, Sir. I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on 22nd July.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now give the correct figures of the number of Imperial troops sent to Greece and Crete, respectively; how many were captured in each case; how many evacuated in each case; and the total number which returned to base?

Full details are not yet available, but the following table gives the latest information in my possession. It is not possible at this stage to say how many of the missing are prisoners of war:

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with Germany cutting down the rations of the British prisoners of war; and whether he intends taking any action in the matter?

Information has been received that the scale of rations for British prisoners of war in Germany was altered on 3rd June, 1941, in conformity with an alteration in the scale of the German civilian rations. The figures received indicate a reduction of the meat ration by one-fifth, a slight increase in the fat ration, small decreases in cereals and sugar, and an addition of skimmed milk to the diet. The Prisoners of War Convention provides that the food ration of prisoners of war shall be equivalent in quantity and quality to that of depot troops. No information is at present available as to the present scale of issue to depot troops in Germany, but inquiries are being pursued through the Protecting Power.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings whether his Department is open to receive schemes for replanning in the poorer districts of the big cities attacked by air raids, or whether all such schemes must wait till after the war even for consideration?

It will not usually be practicable to come to final decisions on reconstruction plans until the full extent of war damage in the particular town is known at the end of hostilities, but my Noble Friend will be glad, in consultation with the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland, to consider provisional proposals submitted to him by local authorities and to advise upon them.

asked the Secretary of State for Air how many British, German and Italian aeroplanes were destroyed on all fronts in May, June and July, respectively?

An analysis of British official communiques shows the total number of British, German and Italian aircraft lost or destroyed on all fronts (excluding the Russian) in the months of May, June and July are as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for Air why the age limits of 21 to 35 years of age have been fixed for civilian employment in the meteorological section of the Royal Air Force, thus debarring men of considerable educational attainments and scientific experience from rendering valuable service to the nation?

The age limits to which the hon. Member refers relate only to one grade of meteorological staff, namely, forecasters, who comprise less than one-half of the total number of new entrants during the last three months. The reason for this limitation of age is that it has been found necessary to give forecaster candidates an intensive course of training in the theory and practice of forecasting. A university degree in physics or mathematics is necessary for this purpose, and is not usually possessed by men below the age of 21. As regards the upper age limit experience has shown that men well over 30 generally take much longer than younger men to attain the standard of proficiency required. For this reason, 35 has been fixed as the upper age limit for forecaster candidates. For other meteorological work, older men as well as women and boys are accepted.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in the case of the 30 fully-trained pilot officers who have been released for other duties, he can state the Departments which put forward requests for their services and the number of such requests in each case?

Of the 30 cases referred to, 19 requests were made by the Ministry of Aircraft Production, and one each by the Mines Department, the Ministry of Labour, Northern Ireland and the Department of Munitions and Supply, Canada. The remaining eight pilots were released for work in which my Department is concerned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether consideration has been given to the plight of the pineapple production industry in Malaya; and what assistance is being given to meet the position?

My Noble Friend has been in communication with the Governor of the Straits Settlements regarding the present position of the pineapple industry in Malaya. It is understood that the demand for canned pineapples in Canada, the Middle East and New Zealand is such that a considerable proportion of the production may be disposed of during the present season. In addition, it is expected that a quantity of canned pineapple jam will be sold. Careful consideration will be given to any scheme for the assistance of the industry which may be found necessary.

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet in a position to make a statement relative to the condition of the railwaymen of Palestine, details of which have been forwarded to him?

The High Commissioner for Palestine is being consulted on this matter. I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now able to make a statement in regard to the case of the railwaymen of Nigeria, details of which have been forwarded to him?

The Governor of Nigeria has been asked to furnish the information desired in my hon. Friends Question of 2nd July, but the Governor's reply has not yet arrived. I will communicate with my hon. Friend, when it is received.

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies why the project for a cement works in Jamaica, the details of which were agreed many months ago, has not yet been proceeded with and when this will be begun?

The proposal to establish a cement factory in Jamaica has been under discussion for some time, but it has recently become evident that there would be required substantial quantities both of machinery (which is in short supply from any source) and of dollar exchange. The cement supply position in this country is not so acute as to render the immediate erection of a factory in Jamaica a vital necessity from the point of view of the war effort, but my Noble Friend is consulting the Governor further before taking a final decision.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the serious economic situation in Jamaica, arising from the difficulties of securing requisite imports and the present hindrances to export trade, every encouragement is being given to the development of home production in that Colony, as the financial advantages accruing there from would substantially compensate for the loss of revenue from external trade?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Minister without Portfolio whether he will take steps to survey the enormous potentialities for post-war new industries in the Swansea Valley, Dulais Valley, and Neath Valley; and whether he will intervew local experts upon the schemes?

The Government will endeavour to secure that in the machinery which is now being prepared for the planning of land utilisation in the postwar period proper provision is made for taking into consideration the industrial potentialities of all parts of the country and for obtaining the advice and assistance of persons having expert local knowledge.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that numbers of people who come to London for pleasure with cheap day return tickets make the return journey during the hours when traffic is at its peak, thus adding to the travelling difficulties of those who are returning to their home after a hard day's work; and whether he will arrange that these tickets shall not be available on the London suburban services for the return journey during the hours of peak traffic in the coming autumn and winter months?

Yes, Sir, it is proposed that from 1st October next to 31st March, 1942, cheap day return tickets to London shall not be available for the return journey between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays inclusive.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether, for the information of the members of the Forces travelling third-class on the railway, and for whom no seating accommodation is available, he will place notices in the corridors indicating under what conditions they may occupy first-class seating accommodation?

No, Sir. I think that it is better that the allocation of seats in first-class compartments to third-class ticket holders should be left to the railway company's staff who are in a position to know what accommodation is available on the train.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been called to anxiety roused by the raising of the Plimsoll line; and whether he is taking special measures to secure the safety of ships of the merchant service from the dangers involved in overloading?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that any arrangements for the deeper loading of British ships to increase their cargo-carrying capacity in the interests of the prosecution of the war will be accompanied by a very full regard to the safety of the ships and those who serve in them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he can state the number of omnibuses that have been sold by the Glasgow Corporation transport department in the last five years; and whether he can give the types of buses thus disposed of?

I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that, despite the ruling of the road engineer, the Fife County Council is still convinced that a halt sign is necessary at the Scoonie roundabout, being of the opinion that this is an exceptionally dangerous stretch of road; and whether, under the circumstances, he will withdraw his veto upon the erection of this sign?

A special inspection was made before the decision was given and the circumstances do not justify departure in this case from the general rule governing the use of halt signs.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will consider issuing an instruction to motorists to limit their road speed to 30 miles per hour or less so as to secure the minimum expenditure of petrol and the reduction of road accidents?

No, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether his attention has been called to the action of the Football League in calling upon the 11 London clubs who are members of the League to carry out a programme requiring each club to travel nearly 9,000 miles; that these clubs, together with certain others, have determined to carry out a competition amongst themselves which will only involve 3,000 miles of travel for each club; and whether he will take action to limit the amount of travel by clubs during the coming football season?

We have not been consulted by the Football League as to their programme for next season but I should like to take this opportunity of warning all concerned that facilities cannot be given for unnecessarily long journeys and that while the Government is anxious that a reasonable amount of recreation should be available, the travel of workers and transport of war materials must come first and will not be allowed to be impeded. Programmes should therefore be arranged accordingly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will request the British Broadcasting Corporation in their Bulgarian transmissions to warn the people of Bulgaria that they will be required, when the war is over, to return to Greece the Greek provinces which the Bulgarian army have occupied and to pay compensation for the deportations and other wrongs which have been committed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reference which my right hon. Friend made to Bulgaria in his speech in the House yesterday. The British Broadcasting Corporation will of course be requested to give these remarks full publicity.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affais whether in the course of the negotiations with China regarding events in the Far East, the Chinese Government has made to us any specific proposals for co-operation in that area?